Port Blair, Aug 9: The Social Welfare Department, A & N Administration will be providing all necessary assistance to any person suffering from anxiety, depression and distress. The One Stop Centre/Women’s Helpline under Department of Social Welfare have trained counselors available 24*7 to provide counseling services and other necessary support. One Stop Centres are functional in all the 3 Districts and they can be contacted as detailed below:

One Stop Centre, South Andaman District: Junglighat, Near Ayush Hospital: Ms. Sunanda Counselor: 03192-234221, 9840762492

One Stop Centre, North & Middle Andaman: Old DRDA Office, near State Library Mayabunder: Ms. Hemalata, Counselor: 03192-273009, 9531860556

One Stop Centre, Nicobar District: Perka Headquarter, Car Nicobar: Smti. Jeevanti Kujur: 03192-265121, 9531856023

Women’s Helpline-181: Junglighat, Near Ayush Hospital: Smti. Vijayalaxmi Senior Call Repondent:             181, 9775660749

The Anganwadi Workers have also been sensitized to identify persons with mental distress. Persons in need of psychological succor may get in touch with their area Anganwadi Worker and thereafter, the Social Welfare Department will render all necessary assistance to such persons.   

To reduce suicides during COVID-19, it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fear and loneliness. The red flags signs of suicidality include:-

- Worsening of pre-existing symptoms related to stress, anxiety or depression.

- Constant obsessive, intrusive thoughts that cannot be controlled or stopped with regards to the virus, like contracting it, getting quarantined, spreading it to others, fear of self or loved ones dying and anxiety about not having access to investigations or treatment.

- Severe anxiety symptoms like palpitations, difficulty in breathing or breathlessness, chest pain, headache, blurred vision or tremors.

- Feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness and mental fatigue.

What can help:

- Remember that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus. There are teams of professionals trying to fight this out.

- Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.

- Engage in healthy activities that one enjoys and finds relaxing. Listen to music, draw or paint, do yoga or mediate regularly, pursue a hobby, read or write.

- Maintain a regular sleep routine, eat healthy foods and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid binge-eating.

- For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work  hours, taking regular breaks and establishing a schedule. 

- Avoid obsessively watching disturbing news and social media.

- Establish a routine as best as possible and try to see this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits.

- Do not feel helpless or hopeless about this situation and do reach out for mental health assistance if needed.

- Be physically active. Do simple indoor exercises that will keep you fit and feeling fit.